6 things I've learned from Jake

in our last 6 years of marriage...(engagement photo randomly taken by a friend with my disposable B/W camera)

1.
My husband is mold-able. He sees a problem with himself, a situation, etc. and is able to course correct. His ability to do this is inspiring to me. I love that we are able to grow together and not apart because of this. A perfect example is him being "romantical." I love to be swept off my feet, surprised, etc. Jake knows this (doesn't come naturally for him) and for Valentine's night after all our little ones were asleep he snuck me outside our hotel, turned on my fancy phone, and we laid and looked up at the stars together with the help of this Google star thing on my phone we could see just what we were gazing into. I was so grateful for Valentine's being on a Sunday this year. No money spent and it was sweet, surprising, and "romantical."

2.

To truly enjoy life. Someone once said that Jake is the only person they have ever met who you can tell TRULY and FULLY loves his life and everything about life. I think sometimes I can be a bit of a downer and Jake is great about helping me see the FUN in life. Things do not always have to be so serious and he helps me remember that.

3.
To splurge! I am a CHEAP-O/frugal/money saver or whatever you choose to call it. Jake has been good about helping me realize that there are some things in life you just cannot scrimp on. Jake is all about quality where as before I was all about what was CHEAP and on SALE. I am grateful for Jake teaching me this because our life is more enjoyable this way. If I had it my way we would never ski because it is expensive, we would take fewer family trips because it is cheaper that way, and I would die one of those people with money in the bank that didn't do anything to enhance my quality of life. Now I'm not saying my husband blows money because he doesn't (he loves to save just as much) but he has taught me just how to enjoy what you do spend your money on.

4.
True gratitude. Jake's Dad taught him to be grateful to the Lord for all things and to always recognize His hand in your life. Jake is amazing at doing this and has taught me to be the same way. Jake is so good about being grateful for what others do for him. If you do something for him or go out of your way in any way he recognizes it and is grateful to you for your kindness and effort. Jake has been so good about teaching our children and the boys to be grateful. The more the boys (and others) are grateful for the things they have to more he wants to do for them.

5.
To play (really play) with my children. Jake is amazing. He gets down on the floor, has fun, acts silly, plays imagination games, reads to them, and does anything and everything on their level. I am trying so hard to be better at this. I am more of the encouraging/observing type. I need to be more hands on. I am grateful for his example in this area.

6.
I now can say, "NO." I have always done everything that is asked of me, I happily did it. Jake helped me learn that it is OK to say "No" when you really can't do something and helped me realize sometimes people take advantage of others and their kindness. It is a new found strength within myself to know my limits and be able to non-guiltily say "No" when needed and not do everything all the time for everyone else.
(Jake's favorite wedding picture and after it being on our wall all these years I realize it is my favorite too)
From us here in UTAH to you there in TEXAS...HAPPY 6th ANNIVERSARY!